Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Today
Terror Attack Foiled?; Mogul Manhunt; The Wrong Message
Aired November 23, 2004 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at what's happening right "Now in the News."
British authorities have reportedly disrupted plans for a September 11th-style terrorist attack. According to media reports, the plans involve crashing planes into skyscrapers in a London financial district and into Heathrow Airport. We will have more just ahead in a live report from London.
Indiana Pacers' forward Ron Artest says he regrets getting into a fight with fans, but he says the NBA's decision to suspend him for the rest of the season was too harsh. In a "Today Show" interview, Artest said, "I don't think it was fair." The players union is preparing to file an appeal with the NBA commissioner.
The video game industry is sending mixed messages to parents. That is the conclusion of the annual video game report card which was released just last hour. The National Institute on Media and the Family says it plans a new public awareness campaign. It encourages parents to watch what their kids watch.
And it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Last hour, Vice President Dick Cheney's wife, Lynne, topped off the national Christmas tree in Washington. Mrs. Cheney placed an ornament at the top of the tree with a little bit of help. The lighting ceremony takes place December 2.
Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.
Well, good morning, everybody. It is 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. in the West. From the CNN center in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Daryn Kagan.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Rick Sanchez.
Up first this hour, combating crime and terror in Britain. On the day that Prime Minister Tony Blair outlined his plans for improving security, there are some reports of a foiled terror plot eerily similar to the September 11 attacks on the United States. Details now from ITN reporter, Nick Robinson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NICK ROBINSON, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's one of the capital's most famous landmarks. It's the financial heart of London's docklands. People who work here know it's a potential target. Hundreds have been trained how to respond in what the police call Operation (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
These pictures are a horrific reminder of the terrible consequences, previously unthinkable, of flying a plane into a building. A reminder, too, of how easy it proved.
A passenger who trained as a pilot strolled through airport security, his heart set on suicide and mass murder. I'm told that the plan for an attack on Canary Wharf also involved terrorists who trained as pilots. I've not been told how or when it was uncovered, or how close they came. But this was not the only target.
The terrorists were also plotting, it's claimed, to crash planes into Heathrow Airport. This revelation comes just days after the home secretary, David Blunkett, warned that al Qaeda are "on our doorstep and threatening our lives." The threat, he said, "will be demonstrated through the courts in the months to come."
The head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir John Stevens, claimed last week that "We've thwarted a number of attacks, we've disrupted them." And MI5's head, Eliza Manningham-Buller, recently told an employers' conference that their businesses should prepare for terrorist attacks.
The authorities have always been reluctant to reveal the warnings they had given. But a year and a half ago, they had no choice. The army surrounded Heathrow. The government were accused of scare- mongering. But they and their advisers insisted then, and do today, that they had a real warning of shoulder-launched missiles being used to down a plane.
In recent months, MI5's budget has been doubled. New recruits soared, and a unit created to filter all intelligence received. Security at airports has been stepped up here, in the United States and in much of Europe, although intelligence experts are now focusing on what they believe to be weaker security systems in Eastern Europe.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: And that was ITN reporter Nick Robinson on a story that we've been following since early this morning.
Now, some of Mr. Blair's critics accuse him of using the politics of fear in his campaign. Let's get some more perspective on Blair's proposals and the reported terror plot. We turn now to CNN European political editor Robin Oakley, who is following the story in London.
One does ask as one looks at this information if this really has been an unbelievable effort by security force there's to stop this al Qaeda attack, why wouldn't they be right there in Piccadilly Square screaming it loudly to everyone who can hear it? Why does it have to come as a whisper?
ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN EUROPEAN POLITICAL EDITOR: That's a very good question, Rick. And some people are seeing that there's no coincidence that we had the previous threat and alarm about a potential attack on Heathrow Airport just before the launch of the Iraq war. This has come just before the government has announced its program for the parliamentary session ahead, a parliamentary session which is going to run up, everybody expects, to a British general election next May. And it has to be said these reports of a possible attack that has been thwarted on Canary Wharf and maybe on Heathrow Airport, too, are very lacking in specifics about time and detail and precisely who was involved and at what stage they were interrupted. So there is a certain amount of cynicism on the political scene about this.
What we've had today is the outline of the government's program for that session ahead, a speech, the queen's speech, as they call it. It's made by Queen Elizabeth in parliament with the MPs called from the House of Commons to hear her speak in the House of Lords.
It is, of course, a speech which she has not written but the government, Tony Blair and his ministers have put together. In that speech, this time, the emphasis has been very heavily on security and safety. And the queen said in the words given to her by the prime minister that they were conscious of the threat of international terrorism and organized crime.
So there's a draft terror bill to allow courts to sit with just judges and no juries in terrorist cases to allow for more wiretapping. That is fairly far down the line.
There's the bill to introduce identity cards in Britain. There's the setting up of a new serious crimes agency to tackle organized crime, drug traffickers, money launders, people like that. And there are other measures to be taken in terms of ordinary law and order, particularly against drug-takers who it's reckoned fuel 75 percent of the crime. So no coincidence perhaps that these stories have emerge at such a time.
SANCHEZ: Yes, no coincidence at all. CNN's Robin Oakley putting that story together for us from our bureau in London. And we thank you for it, Robin.
NGUYEN: Leaders at the first international conference on post-war Iraq have approved a 14-point communique. Some of the main points include restoring sovereignty, supporting Iraqi elections and condemning acts of terror, kidnapping and assassination. Secretary of State Colin Powell says Iraq needs the support of the world community.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: The Iraqi government, supported by the coalition, is reasserting government control in Falluja, Samarra and other cities in Iraq which have been previously lost to terrorists, to insurgents, to murderers, to those who do not wish the Iraqi people to live in freedom and to have open, free and fair elections. These developments, elects, debt relief, and government control, form the basis for fulfillment of Resolution 1546, a democratic Iraq at peace with its people and with all of its neighbors. We all must help.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The Iraq conference at a Red Sea resort in Egypt, it wrapped up today.
Well, Iraqi elections are set for January 30. With nine weeks to go, U.S. forces are rounding up people who would like to disrupt the vote. Senior international correspondent Nic Robertson is along for that manhunt.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In worsening winter weather, a last-minute rehearsal before a raid.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right. They're going to try to beat the system and say, "Hey, I'm not the guy you're looking for."
ROBERTSON: The target a former Ba'ath Party official an informant claims is trying to undermine upcoming elections.
CAPT. ROBERT LACKEY, TASK FORCE OLYMPIA: Well, regarding the elections, the importance of this mission is -- is to combat the threat campaign that the former Ba'ath Party members are now waging against just the regular Iraqi people.
ROBERTSON (on camera): With an election date now set, the stakes for eradicating intimidation have been raised, making the success of raids like this even more critical.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Step back.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): Within minutes, a man fitting the description is taken into custody. A frenetic search of the house and shoes, then the discovery, they're at the wrong address.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep it two squads now. Don't want to keep -- keep a squad here, all right?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir.
ROBERTSON: The home owner is released...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But we need to you show us where this house is. Or he can show us where the house is.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nobody can.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, you can.
ROBERTSON: ... but appears afraid to talk about the suspect.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Three houses and the fourth...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you want Mogul to continue the way it has for the past week with all the violence and the shooting?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fourth door you can shut.
(CROSSTALK)
ROBERTSON: At the next house, quick confirmation they are in the right place.
(on camera): Even though the man they're looking for is not here, the search for evidence continues. In the last few weeks since the upsurge in violence, the election process here has been set back. Several thousand ballot papers destroyed and four election officials at least intimidated, threatened with death.
(voice-over): Tempers fray as time runs out on the hunt for clues linking the suspect to the allegations of intimidation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every single thing. All right? That means...
ROBERTSON: The pressure high to make a success of this mission.
LACKEY: It feels bad. It does. But the great thing about it is, if this was his house, which it probably was, he knows that we're looking for him and he knows that we're eventually going to get him.
ROBERTSON: Cat and mouse with certainty seeming to favor neither side. A simple snapshot of the troubles leading up to the elections.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Mosul, Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: In Wisconsin, they're trying to get to the bottom of a hunting massacre. This is a tragedy that's now claimed yet another life. And we will have the very latest for you.
NGUYEN: Also, the man paying the heaviest price for this basket brawl says he is not getting a fair shake.
SANCHEZ: And then later, planes, trains, automobiles, millions are getting away for the week -- for the holiday. And we're going to tell you how you can try and keep to your schedule, not to mention your sanity, when we return.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
A sixth person has now died following Sunday's shooting rampage in the woods of rural Wisconsin. Fifty-five-year-old Denny Drew had initially survived that shooting, but his family says he died Monday. Thirty-six-year-old Chai Vang is now in police custody, accused of opening fire on a group of hunters over a dispute over the use of a hunting stand on private property. Now, no formal charges have been filed against Vang. SANCHEZ: Following another scene of violence, fighting words amid some words of regret as well. In his first national interview since his suspension, basketball player Ron Artest told NBC's "Today Show" that he wishes last Friday's fight in Michigan never happened, but says his season-long suspension is too harsh.
During the interview, Artest said -- and we quote -- "I don't think it was fair." Artest was suspended 73 games without pay for his role in the melee. He's appealing the league's decision through the NBA Players Association.
Meantime, the universities of South Carolina and Clemson have decided not to accept post-season bowl bids for punishment for Saturday's fight on the field. The brawl broke out with just minutes left in the game. And Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bobby Williamson tackled South Carolina quarterback Syvelle Newton and appeared to keep him down too long. Individual punishment for the player is still to come.
By the way, later today, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks are expected to announce that Steve Spurrier will be their new football coach. He's going to replace outgoing coach, as we told you yesterday here on CNN, Lou Holtz. Saturday was his last game.
Well, what happened on the court in suburban Detroit is sending a message to children across America. And moms don't like it. Here's CNN's Thelma Gutierrez from Los Angeles.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are sports giants, heroes on the field who play to adoring crowds. But 2004 is a year that may go down in infamy for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) who forgot to be good sports.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, what a sad scene here at the Palace.
GUTIERREZ: An understatement.
KAREN SCHAKHOV, MOTHER: I was extremely distressed and disappointed. I thought it was an abomination. I thought...
GUTIERREZ: High school basketball player Jamila Daniels has a 9- year-old son, JJ. He's been playing basketball for four years.
JAMILA DANIELS, MOTHER: Whether it's on the professional level or down to, you know, youth sports, we're just not sending a message of sportsmanship.
GUTIERREZ: Instead, the mothers say their children are seeing more and more of this. Perhaps this scene of a frightened and disappointed young fan in the stands for that Pacers game sums it up best.
SCHAKHOV: As a parent, it sends very, very negative messages to my children as far as what is the tolerated behavior of individuals. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now...
GUTIERREZ: And it's not limited to professional athletes. On Saturday, an all-out college brawl broke out between Clemson and South Carolina. In Mexico, violence broke out in the stands at a soccer match. And this is what happened in Portugal after the Euro 2004 soccer game.
DANIELS: I just think it's really important for everyone to keep in mind that it's the children that are seeing this, and that, you know, an example needs to be set.
GUTIERREZ: But who's setting the example? Take a look at what happened in Pico Rivera, California, between parents.
SCHAKHOV: Something's wrong. Something's wrong. First of all, get a life. It's a game. It's a game.
You win, you lose, you're there to have fun. You're there to teach your kid how to be, you know, a team player. Hopefully to give them a little bit of, you know, self-confidence.
GUTIERREZ: That's what they're supposed to learn, but our moms say the lessons in good sportsmanship must begin at home.
DANIELS: It begins at home, it begins with the kids. And if you teach them the proper code of conduct and values, like we said, sportsmanship, I think eventually it can change the culture of, you know, competition.
GUTIERREZ: Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, we have Texas-sized flooding across the Lone Star State.
NGUYEN: Yes. And it's not the only weather problem pummeling parts of the U.S. today. We have the complete weather picture coming up.
SANCHEZ: Also, what effect will the weather have on your holiday travel? Perhaps a big one. It depends on where you're doing. And we're going to tell you what's what.
Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: In Texas, they keep looking through the glass and seeing nothing but rain and more rain. For folks in the central and southeast parts of the states, this is all they've been seeing lately.
Floodwaters have flushed hundreds from their homes, closed a highway around San Antonio, and caused one death. Police say some residents might not be back in their houses for Thanksgiving dinner. And 10 campers who were stranded on a snow-covered California mountain have been rescued. Crews had to plow through two feet of snow to reach those campers. They all said that they were in good condition.
SANCHEZ: Well, I think this is a good time to go over and check and see what's going on with the weather.
What do you think, Jacqui?
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: A lot of people very happy about that one. Thank you, Jacqui.
SANCHEZ: Warm and soggy as opposed to cool and soggy.
NGUYEN: Right.
SANCHEZ: Thanks, Jacqui.
Weather conditions will certainly be on the minds of many as they head out for holiday travel. And record numbers are expected to hit the runways and the roadways trying to make it home for Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, let's give you some tips to make your trip a little easier. And the person to do that is Heidi Mitchell. She's a senior editor with "Travel & Leisure" magazine. And we've got some tips that she's put together for us.
First, booking travel. Consider traveling on the holiday itself, it says right here, huh?
HEIDI MITCHELL, SR. EDITOR, "TRAVEL & LEISURE": Right. It's not necessarily that sexy to fly on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, but especially if you're flying West, it's really not that big of a deal. You take the first flight out or an early flight out to avoid any potential delays. And you arrive a couple hours after you left, and you're going to avoid delays, you're going to avoid a lot of the traffic that builds up, the congestion at the airports that builds up during the day. So it's a good idea to travel on those days.
SANCHEZ: Yes, when everyone is eating turkey, you're going to be on a plane eating airplane food. Book flights earlier in the day you say as well, right?
MITCHELL: Right. If you take the early flight out -- you know, as you go throughout the day, they tend to get backed up if there's weather conditions. The later flights are the ones that are going to really get hurt. So the first flights out, you know, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., are really going to be less effected by weather and other congestion that could happen at the airport.
SANCHEZ: Direct flights you say? MITCHELL: Right. If you can pay a little bit extra, if you can get that direct flight, you're going to avoid maybe missing a connection, something goes wrong, some sort of technical malfunction with the plane and then you miss that connection. The next thing you know you're eating airplane food for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner. So you really want to try to take a direct flight.
SANCHEZ: Hey, stop stealing my lines. All right. So you booked the flight and now it's travel day. You're on the plane. I guess the first thing you've got to do is you've got to make sure you get there, right?
MITCHELL: Right. Well, the best thing you can do, some airlines do allow to you check in online and print your boarding pass. That's a great thing to do. You're going to get to the airport and avoid all the lines.
If you can't do that, you can also just go to the kiosk, where you just go, check in, print out a ticket. You don't need to interact with any humans or wait in any lines. So that's a really great idea, especially if you have just carry-on luggage.
So those are two good things you can do. But you also really need to leave lots and lots of time. And I know from experience I've missed flights on holidays.
SANCHEZ: Yes.
MITCHELL: You've got to remember, street traffic, not to mention security lines, all that stuff.
SANCHEZ: You also mention that we should pay attention to what we pack in our carry-on luggage. What do you mean?
MITCHELL: You know, a lot of people -- well, you know, there are things that you can't carry, like scissors and knives. And sometimes you forget that you've got your pocket knife and your laptop needs to be turned on, and things like that that you forget.
But this time of year, what everybody really forgets is your presents. You can't wrap them before you get on the plane, because in all likelihood, they're not going to be able to see what's really in there. They're going to ask you to unwrap them, it's going to hold up the line.
You're going to have to unwrap the gifts anyway. So you really shouldn't wrap your gifts on your carry-on. You can check them in your luggage.
SANCHEZ: Here's one that I know works. I've got four kids. And when we travel and we travel with the kids, you've got to make sure you're prepared. Bring a lot of snacks, bring water and things for them to do, right?
MITCHELL: Oh, you've got to bring entertainment for those kids. And you know that sometimes your flight is delayed, you end up stuck at the airport, there's not great food or there's lines, or they're not happy with the food and there's nothing for them to do.
If you have a portable DVD player, that's fantastic. If you have games that are travel friendly, those are great to bring. And then on the airplane, of course, they'll be entertained as well. And you never know what the food's going to be like on the plane, so it's good to bring a lot of snacks especially if you have a lot of kids.
SANCHEZ: I've got a great juggling act I do for them that they enjoy. I doubt anybody else would, though.
It's important to be patient. Bottom line is, you can't go crazy, because arguing and fighting with these folks at the airlines ain't going to make them happy or you, or get you there any sooner.
MITCHELL: No, they're going to win. So you may as well just be patient and leave lots of time. Bring a book, sit back and sort of enjoy that it's your day off, holiday season, and go with the flow.
SANCHEZ: Heidi, thanks. We certainly appreciate it. That's great information. Heidi Mitchell, senior editor with "Travel & Leisure" magazine.
MITCHELL: Thanks, Rick.
SANCHEZ: OK.
Planes, trains, automobiles, we've been talking about it today, we'll be talking about it a lot more tomorrow. And you can trust us here at CNN to drive you through the hectic holiday commute starting here tomorrow.
We will have live updates throughout the day on what's happening at the airports, the roads, the tolls, the railways. Again, that's tomorrow. And, of course, we'll have it for you here from 10:00 to noon.
NGUYEN: Weather conditions, flight delays, you name it, we have it here.
But right now I have to step away to prepare for the noon show.
SANCHEZ: You're going to be doing Wolf Blitzer's shift.
NGUYEN: Noon to 1:00 Eastern.
SANCHEZ: And I'm going to go ahead and continue this the for a little while.
NGUYEN: All right. Take it away.
SANCHEZ: All right.
A House divided. The riff may be widening in the battle over the 9/11 commissioners' recommendations. Now changes may be coming at the Pentagon. We are there live and we'll have it for you.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired November 23, 2004 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Here's a look at what's happening right "Now in the News."
British authorities have reportedly disrupted plans for a September 11th-style terrorist attack. According to media reports, the plans involve crashing planes into skyscrapers in a London financial district and into Heathrow Airport. We will have more just ahead in a live report from London.
Indiana Pacers' forward Ron Artest says he regrets getting into a fight with fans, but he says the NBA's decision to suspend him for the rest of the season was too harsh. In a "Today Show" interview, Artest said, "I don't think it was fair." The players union is preparing to file an appeal with the NBA commissioner.
The video game industry is sending mixed messages to parents. That is the conclusion of the annual video game report card which was released just last hour. The National Institute on Media and the Family says it plans a new public awareness campaign. It encourages parents to watch what their kids watch.
And it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Last hour, Vice President Dick Cheney's wife, Lynne, topped off the national Christmas tree in Washington. Mrs. Cheney placed an ornament at the top of the tree with a little bit of help. The lighting ceremony takes place December 2.
Keeping you informed, CNN, the most trusted name in news.
Well, good morning, everybody. It is 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. in the West. From the CNN center in Atlanta, I'm Betty Nguyen, in for Daryn Kagan.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: And I'm Rick Sanchez.
Up first this hour, combating crime and terror in Britain. On the day that Prime Minister Tony Blair outlined his plans for improving security, there are some reports of a foiled terror plot eerily similar to the September 11 attacks on the United States. Details now from ITN reporter, Nick Robinson.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NICK ROBINSON, ITN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's one of the capital's most famous landmarks. It's the financial heart of London's docklands. People who work here know it's a potential target. Hundreds have been trained how to respond in what the police call Operation (UNINTELLIGIBLE).
These pictures are a horrific reminder of the terrible consequences, previously unthinkable, of flying a plane into a building. A reminder, too, of how easy it proved.
A passenger who trained as a pilot strolled through airport security, his heart set on suicide and mass murder. I'm told that the plan for an attack on Canary Wharf also involved terrorists who trained as pilots. I've not been told how or when it was uncovered, or how close they came. But this was not the only target.
The terrorists were also plotting, it's claimed, to crash planes into Heathrow Airport. This revelation comes just days after the home secretary, David Blunkett, warned that al Qaeda are "on our doorstep and threatening our lives." The threat, he said, "will be demonstrated through the courts in the months to come."
The head of the Metropolitan Police, Sir John Stevens, claimed last week that "We've thwarted a number of attacks, we've disrupted them." And MI5's head, Eliza Manningham-Buller, recently told an employers' conference that their businesses should prepare for terrorist attacks.
The authorities have always been reluctant to reveal the warnings they had given. But a year and a half ago, they had no choice. The army surrounded Heathrow. The government were accused of scare- mongering. But they and their advisers insisted then, and do today, that they had a real warning of shoulder-launched missiles being used to down a plane.
In recent months, MI5's budget has been doubled. New recruits soared, and a unit created to filter all intelligence received. Security at airports has been stepped up here, in the United States and in much of Europe, although intelligence experts are now focusing on what they believe to be weaker security systems in Eastern Europe.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: And that was ITN reporter Nick Robinson on a story that we've been following since early this morning.
Now, some of Mr. Blair's critics accuse him of using the politics of fear in his campaign. Let's get some more perspective on Blair's proposals and the reported terror plot. We turn now to CNN European political editor Robin Oakley, who is following the story in London.
One does ask as one looks at this information if this really has been an unbelievable effort by security force there's to stop this al Qaeda attack, why wouldn't they be right there in Piccadilly Square screaming it loudly to everyone who can hear it? Why does it have to come as a whisper?
ROBIN OAKLEY, CNN EUROPEAN POLITICAL EDITOR: That's a very good question, Rick. And some people are seeing that there's no coincidence that we had the previous threat and alarm about a potential attack on Heathrow Airport just before the launch of the Iraq war. This has come just before the government has announced its program for the parliamentary session ahead, a parliamentary session which is going to run up, everybody expects, to a British general election next May. And it has to be said these reports of a possible attack that has been thwarted on Canary Wharf and maybe on Heathrow Airport, too, are very lacking in specifics about time and detail and precisely who was involved and at what stage they were interrupted. So there is a certain amount of cynicism on the political scene about this.
What we've had today is the outline of the government's program for that session ahead, a speech, the queen's speech, as they call it. It's made by Queen Elizabeth in parliament with the MPs called from the House of Commons to hear her speak in the House of Lords.
It is, of course, a speech which she has not written but the government, Tony Blair and his ministers have put together. In that speech, this time, the emphasis has been very heavily on security and safety. And the queen said in the words given to her by the prime minister that they were conscious of the threat of international terrorism and organized crime.
So there's a draft terror bill to allow courts to sit with just judges and no juries in terrorist cases to allow for more wiretapping. That is fairly far down the line.
There's the bill to introduce identity cards in Britain. There's the setting up of a new serious crimes agency to tackle organized crime, drug traffickers, money launders, people like that. And there are other measures to be taken in terms of ordinary law and order, particularly against drug-takers who it's reckoned fuel 75 percent of the crime. So no coincidence perhaps that these stories have emerge at such a time.
SANCHEZ: Yes, no coincidence at all. CNN's Robin Oakley putting that story together for us from our bureau in London. And we thank you for it, Robin.
NGUYEN: Leaders at the first international conference on post-war Iraq have approved a 14-point communique. Some of the main points include restoring sovereignty, supporting Iraqi elections and condemning acts of terror, kidnapping and assassination. Secretary of State Colin Powell says Iraq needs the support of the world community.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: The Iraqi government, supported by the coalition, is reasserting government control in Falluja, Samarra and other cities in Iraq which have been previously lost to terrorists, to insurgents, to murderers, to those who do not wish the Iraqi people to live in freedom and to have open, free and fair elections. These developments, elects, debt relief, and government control, form the basis for fulfillment of Resolution 1546, a democratic Iraq at peace with its people and with all of its neighbors. We all must help.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The Iraq conference at a Red Sea resort in Egypt, it wrapped up today.
Well, Iraqi elections are set for January 30. With nine weeks to go, U.S. forces are rounding up people who would like to disrupt the vote. Senior international correspondent Nic Robertson is along for that manhunt.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NIC ROBERTSON, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In worsening winter weather, a last-minute rehearsal before a raid.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: All right. They're going to try to beat the system and say, "Hey, I'm not the guy you're looking for."
ROBERTSON: The target a former Ba'ath Party official an informant claims is trying to undermine upcoming elections.
CAPT. ROBERT LACKEY, TASK FORCE OLYMPIA: Well, regarding the elections, the importance of this mission is -- is to combat the threat campaign that the former Ba'ath Party members are now waging against just the regular Iraqi people.
ROBERTSON (on camera): With an election date now set, the stakes for eradicating intimidation have been raised, making the success of raids like this even more critical.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Step back.
ROBERTSON (voice-over): Within minutes, a man fitting the description is taken into custody. A frenetic search of the house and shoes, then the discovery, they're at the wrong address.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Keep it two squads now. Don't want to keep -- keep a squad here, all right?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, sir.
ROBERTSON: The home owner is released...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: But we need to you show us where this house is. Or he can show us where the house is.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Nobody can.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, you can.
ROBERTSON: ... but appears afraid to talk about the suspect.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Three houses and the fourth...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Do you want Mogul to continue the way it has for the past week with all the violence and the shooting?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The fourth door you can shut.
(CROSSTALK)
ROBERTSON: At the next house, quick confirmation they are in the right place.
(on camera): Even though the man they're looking for is not here, the search for evidence continues. In the last few weeks since the upsurge in violence, the election process here has been set back. Several thousand ballot papers destroyed and four election officials at least intimidated, threatened with death.
(voice-over): Tempers fray as time runs out on the hunt for clues linking the suspect to the allegations of intimidation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Every single thing. All right? That means...
ROBERTSON: The pressure high to make a success of this mission.
LACKEY: It feels bad. It does. But the great thing about it is, if this was his house, which it probably was, he knows that we're looking for him and he knows that we're eventually going to get him.
ROBERTSON: Cat and mouse with certainty seeming to favor neither side. A simple snapshot of the troubles leading up to the elections.
Nic Robertson, CNN, Mosul, Iraq.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: In Wisconsin, they're trying to get to the bottom of a hunting massacre. This is a tragedy that's now claimed yet another life. And we will have the very latest for you.
NGUYEN: Also, the man paying the heaviest price for this basket brawl says he is not getting a fair shake.
SANCHEZ: And then later, planes, trains, automobiles, millions are getting away for the week -- for the holiday. And we're going to tell you how you can try and keep to your schedule, not to mention your sanity, when we return.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(STOCK MARKET REPORT)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
A sixth person has now died following Sunday's shooting rampage in the woods of rural Wisconsin. Fifty-five-year-old Denny Drew had initially survived that shooting, but his family says he died Monday. Thirty-six-year-old Chai Vang is now in police custody, accused of opening fire on a group of hunters over a dispute over the use of a hunting stand on private property. Now, no formal charges have been filed against Vang. SANCHEZ: Following another scene of violence, fighting words amid some words of regret as well. In his first national interview since his suspension, basketball player Ron Artest told NBC's "Today Show" that he wishes last Friday's fight in Michigan never happened, but says his season-long suspension is too harsh.
During the interview, Artest said -- and we quote -- "I don't think it was fair." Artest was suspended 73 games without pay for his role in the melee. He's appealing the league's decision through the NBA Players Association.
Meantime, the universities of South Carolina and Clemson have decided not to accept post-season bowl bids for punishment for Saturday's fight on the field. The brawl broke out with just minutes left in the game. And Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Bobby Williamson tackled South Carolina quarterback Syvelle Newton and appeared to keep him down too long. Individual punishment for the player is still to come.
By the way, later today, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks are expected to announce that Steve Spurrier will be their new football coach. He's going to replace outgoing coach, as we told you yesterday here on CNN, Lou Holtz. Saturday was his last game.
Well, what happened on the court in suburban Detroit is sending a message to children across America. And moms don't like it. Here's CNN's Thelma Gutierrez from Los Angeles.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
THELMA GUTIERREZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): They are sports giants, heroes on the field who play to adoring crowds. But 2004 is a year that may go down in infamy for (UNINTELLIGIBLE) who forgot to be good sports.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, what a sad scene here at the Palace.
GUTIERREZ: An understatement.
KAREN SCHAKHOV, MOTHER: I was extremely distressed and disappointed. I thought it was an abomination. I thought...
GUTIERREZ: High school basketball player Jamila Daniels has a 9- year-old son, JJ. He's been playing basketball for four years.
JAMILA DANIELS, MOTHER: Whether it's on the professional level or down to, you know, youth sports, we're just not sending a message of sportsmanship.
GUTIERREZ: Instead, the mothers say their children are seeing more and more of this. Perhaps this scene of a frightened and disappointed young fan in the stands for that Pacers game sums it up best.
SCHAKHOV: As a parent, it sends very, very negative messages to my children as far as what is the tolerated behavior of individuals. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And now...
GUTIERREZ: And it's not limited to professional athletes. On Saturday, an all-out college brawl broke out between Clemson and South Carolina. In Mexico, violence broke out in the stands at a soccer match. And this is what happened in Portugal after the Euro 2004 soccer game.
DANIELS: I just think it's really important for everyone to keep in mind that it's the children that are seeing this, and that, you know, an example needs to be set.
GUTIERREZ: But who's setting the example? Take a look at what happened in Pico Rivera, California, between parents.
SCHAKHOV: Something's wrong. Something's wrong. First of all, get a life. It's a game. It's a game.
You win, you lose, you're there to have fun. You're there to teach your kid how to be, you know, a team player. Hopefully to give them a little bit of, you know, self-confidence.
GUTIERREZ: That's what they're supposed to learn, but our moms say the lessons in good sportsmanship must begin at home.
DANIELS: It begins at home, it begins with the kids. And if you teach them the proper code of conduct and values, like we said, sportsmanship, I think eventually it can change the culture of, you know, competition.
GUTIERREZ: Thelma Gutierrez, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SANCHEZ: Meanwhile, we have Texas-sized flooding across the Lone Star State.
NGUYEN: Yes. And it's not the only weather problem pummeling parts of the U.S. today. We have the complete weather picture coming up.
SANCHEZ: Also, what effect will the weather have on your holiday travel? Perhaps a big one. It depends on where you're doing. And we're going to tell you what's what.
Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: In Texas, they keep looking through the glass and seeing nothing but rain and more rain. For folks in the central and southeast parts of the states, this is all they've been seeing lately.
Floodwaters have flushed hundreds from their homes, closed a highway around San Antonio, and caused one death. Police say some residents might not be back in their houses for Thanksgiving dinner. And 10 campers who were stranded on a snow-covered California mountain have been rescued. Crews had to plow through two feet of snow to reach those campers. They all said that they were in good condition.
SANCHEZ: Well, I think this is a good time to go over and check and see what's going on with the weather.
What do you think, Jacqui?
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: A lot of people very happy about that one. Thank you, Jacqui.
SANCHEZ: Warm and soggy as opposed to cool and soggy.
NGUYEN: Right.
SANCHEZ: Thanks, Jacqui.
Weather conditions will certainly be on the minds of many as they head out for holiday travel. And record numbers are expected to hit the runways and the roadways trying to make it home for Thanksgiving dinner.
Now, let's give you some tips to make your trip a little easier. And the person to do that is Heidi Mitchell. She's a senior editor with "Travel & Leisure" magazine. And we've got some tips that she's put together for us.
First, booking travel. Consider traveling on the holiday itself, it says right here, huh?
HEIDI MITCHELL, SR. EDITOR, "TRAVEL & LEISURE": Right. It's not necessarily that sexy to fly on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day, but especially if you're flying West, it's really not that big of a deal. You take the first flight out or an early flight out to avoid any potential delays. And you arrive a couple hours after you left, and you're going to avoid delays, you're going to avoid a lot of the traffic that builds up, the congestion at the airports that builds up during the day. So it's a good idea to travel on those days.
SANCHEZ: Yes, when everyone is eating turkey, you're going to be on a plane eating airplane food. Book flights earlier in the day you say as well, right?
MITCHELL: Right. If you take the early flight out -- you know, as you go throughout the day, they tend to get backed up if there's weather conditions. The later flights are the ones that are going to really get hurt. So the first flights out, you know, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., are really going to be less effected by weather and other congestion that could happen at the airport.
SANCHEZ: Direct flights you say? MITCHELL: Right. If you can pay a little bit extra, if you can get that direct flight, you're going to avoid maybe missing a connection, something goes wrong, some sort of technical malfunction with the plane and then you miss that connection. The next thing you know you're eating airplane food for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner. So you really want to try to take a direct flight.
SANCHEZ: Hey, stop stealing my lines. All right. So you booked the flight and now it's travel day. You're on the plane. I guess the first thing you've got to do is you've got to make sure you get there, right?
MITCHELL: Right. Well, the best thing you can do, some airlines do allow to you check in online and print your boarding pass. That's a great thing to do. You're going to get to the airport and avoid all the lines.
If you can't do that, you can also just go to the kiosk, where you just go, check in, print out a ticket. You don't need to interact with any humans or wait in any lines. So that's a really great idea, especially if you have just carry-on luggage.
So those are two good things you can do. But you also really need to leave lots and lots of time. And I know from experience I've missed flights on holidays.
SANCHEZ: Yes.
MITCHELL: You've got to remember, street traffic, not to mention security lines, all that stuff.
SANCHEZ: You also mention that we should pay attention to what we pack in our carry-on luggage. What do you mean?
MITCHELL: You know, a lot of people -- well, you know, there are things that you can't carry, like scissors and knives. And sometimes you forget that you've got your pocket knife and your laptop needs to be turned on, and things like that that you forget.
But this time of year, what everybody really forgets is your presents. You can't wrap them before you get on the plane, because in all likelihood, they're not going to be able to see what's really in there. They're going to ask you to unwrap them, it's going to hold up the line.
You're going to have to unwrap the gifts anyway. So you really shouldn't wrap your gifts on your carry-on. You can check them in your luggage.
SANCHEZ: Here's one that I know works. I've got four kids. And when we travel and we travel with the kids, you've got to make sure you're prepared. Bring a lot of snacks, bring water and things for them to do, right?
MITCHELL: Oh, you've got to bring entertainment for those kids. And you know that sometimes your flight is delayed, you end up stuck at the airport, there's not great food or there's lines, or they're not happy with the food and there's nothing for them to do.
If you have a portable DVD player, that's fantastic. If you have games that are travel friendly, those are great to bring. And then on the airplane, of course, they'll be entertained as well. And you never know what the food's going to be like on the plane, so it's good to bring a lot of snacks especially if you have a lot of kids.
SANCHEZ: I've got a great juggling act I do for them that they enjoy. I doubt anybody else would, though.
It's important to be patient. Bottom line is, you can't go crazy, because arguing and fighting with these folks at the airlines ain't going to make them happy or you, or get you there any sooner.
MITCHELL: No, they're going to win. So you may as well just be patient and leave lots of time. Bring a book, sit back and sort of enjoy that it's your day off, holiday season, and go with the flow.
SANCHEZ: Heidi, thanks. We certainly appreciate it. That's great information. Heidi Mitchell, senior editor with "Travel & Leisure" magazine.
MITCHELL: Thanks, Rick.
SANCHEZ: OK.
Planes, trains, automobiles, we've been talking about it today, we'll be talking about it a lot more tomorrow. And you can trust us here at CNN to drive you through the hectic holiday commute starting here tomorrow.
We will have live updates throughout the day on what's happening at the airports, the roads, the tolls, the railways. Again, that's tomorrow. And, of course, we'll have it for you here from 10:00 to noon.
NGUYEN: Weather conditions, flight delays, you name it, we have it here.
But right now I have to step away to prepare for the noon show.
SANCHEZ: You're going to be doing Wolf Blitzer's shift.
NGUYEN: Noon to 1:00 Eastern.
SANCHEZ: And I'm going to go ahead and continue this the for a little while.
NGUYEN: All right. Take it away.
SANCHEZ: All right.
A House divided. The riff may be widening in the battle over the 9/11 commissioners' recommendations. Now changes may be coming at the Pentagon. We are there live and we'll have it for you.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
